10 Of The Best Outdoor Skating Rinks In Toronto

This winter, there will be 53 outdoor skating rinks open in the Greater Toronto Area, so regardless of where you live, there’s a rink (or two) nearby.

A number of rinks are already open with more opening their gates soon, offering Torontonians plenty of spots to get their glide on.

Here are 10 of the best outdoor skating rinks to check out this winter:

Nathan Phillips Square
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto is a quintessential winter activity for anyone who lives or is visiting the city. The crowd, the view of city hall, and the fact it’s located in the heart of the city are just a few of the reasons this rink is one of our favourites. Throw in change rooms, washrooms, a snack shop, and skate rentals and you’ve got everything you need for the perfect winter afternoon.

Status: Now open
Where: 100 Queen Street West

Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink
Queen’s Quay is easily one of the most beautiful parts of the city, and skating with a view of the lake and the city skyline is a great way to spend a winter day. Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink offers DJ Skate Nights on Saturdays, and admission is free.

Status: Now open
Where: 235 Queens Quay West

Greenwood Park
For those interested in playing a game of shinny, look no further than Greenwood Park. This large rink is actually the city’s first covered outdoor ice rink. There is also an ice skating trail located beside the ice for those who want to skate at their own pace.

Status: Now open
Where: 150 Greenwood Park

High Park Skating Rink
Nestled into the heart of High Park, this rink offers a skating experience that feels deeply Canadian. Scrimmage under the sky, surrounded by tall evergreens and snow-covered branches of big maple trees.

Status: Now open
Where: 1873 Bloor Street West

Trinity Bellwoods Park
Toronto’s favourite park is still a hotspot, even during the winter months. The park’s outdoor rink is great for a game of pick-up puck or for those looking to unwind with an evening skate. Just make sure to check the rink’s info page to see what days feature public skating or hockey.

Status: Now open
Where: 790 Queen Street West

Hodgson Public School Grounds
There are two skating pads at this spot; one for shinny and one for leisurely skating. A neighbourhood favourite, this is a winter-hub for the community.

Status: Now open
Where: 276 Davisville Avenue

Regent Park South
This Corktown rink is equipped with great overhead lights for those looking to end their day with an evening skate. There’s both public skating and pickup for all skill levels with skate times available for beginners, youth, and adults.

Status: Now open
Where: 480 Shuter Street

Mel Lastman Square
For those living in the North York area who don’t want to trek all the way downtown to get their skate on, Mel Lastman Square is the perfect outdoor alternative. Keep in mind that the rink is unsupervised so skaters will need to bring their own skates.

Status: Now open
Where: 5100 Yonge Street

Ryerson Community Rink
The outdoor Ryerson Rink is tucked away from the hustle of the city and is the perfect place to play a late night game of shinny or go for a leisure skate with friends. Note that the rink is unsupervised so you’ll be skating at your own risk.

Status: Set to open December 1
Where: 50 Gould Street

Ontario Place Skating Rink
Ontario Place is home to a synthetic skating rink. Just imagine getting to skate along the iconic Cinesphere as you take in the picturesque lake and city skyline views.